Anand beats Bacrot, kicks off M-tel Masters campaign in style

Sofia, Bulgaria, May 12 (UNI) Playing with black, World Rapid Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand outwitted French talent Etienne Bacrot with superior middle game in the first round of the M-tel Masters.

Earlier, noted Brazillian writer Paulo Coelho, author of, among others, ''The Alchemist'' gave start to the game between Veselin Topalov and Peter Svidler, thus opening the six-member 10-round championship.

Players meet each others twice in this category 20 championship, considered one of the strongest events besides Corus and Linares.

Anand and Bacrot followed the Queen's Indian pattern and both the players moved their pieces very cautiously in this complicated game.

Looking for a breakthrough, Anand sacrificed a pawn to improve his position but slowly the Frenchman took an upper hand and Anand was fighting to regain his lost ground.

On the 22nd move Bacrot attacked with his Queen but Anand averted the check. Bacrot then made a blunder on the 25th move and Anand grabbed the opportunity with both hands to improve his position and from there, it was Anand's tactical acumen that took over and Bacrot capitulated after 54 moves.

Later talking to UNI, Anand said, '' must say I was surprised because I thought I was defending a weak position. But all of a suddenl, it was very tricky for the white. Perhaps he should have walked away with a draw.'' UNI XC AY KN1417